An April 30 Daily Press article quoted Senator Mark Warner who recommended that the Puller Veterans Benefits Clinic serve as a "national model" to create law school clinics across the country to help solve the Veterans Administration's backlog of cases. Stars and Stripes and the Virginia Gazette also featured the story.

In an on-air interview with WAVY-TV (NBC's Hampton Roads affiliate), Senator Warner said that he's "asked the head of the VA to look at the model that was created at William & Mary [Law School] ... that actually can help those veterans with complicated cases."

Helping Hands

On May 2, the Daily Press's Editorial Board characterized the clinic's work with veterans as a "win-win situation." "This volunteer work," the board wrote, "will undeniably benefit these aspiring lawyers, who are developing their skills not only for paperwork but also for legwork. And best of all, it helps our military veterans ..."

A Month of News for the Puller Veterans Benefits Clinic

The past month has been a busy one for the clinic. Its volunteer attorneys and students were honored on April 15 with the 2013 Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Pro Bono Award by the Virginia State Bar. On March 22, the clinic's HMVHE, a consortium of universities and colleges in Virginia that have joined forces to serve veterans, had their second meeting at William & Mary.

Clinical Programs Director Patricia E. Roberts said she's delighted that the clinic is receiving recognition as being part of a solution to help veterans.

"The Puller Clinic staff, students and volunteers remind us that the passion and expertise of higher education institutions can be instrumental in solving our nation's most comprehensive problems," she said. "William & Mary Law School is proud to help our nation keep its promise to veterans, while simultaneously training future professionals in the ethical practice of law."